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If Jude Bellingham aims to earn his place once again into England’s best squad, the smart move to eliminate the nonsense. His response when he saw that he was being shown after a match of uneven play in the match against Albania was not good enough.

"I don’t want to make more out of it but I stick to my words 'attitude matters' and consideration for the teammates who come in," Tuchel said. "Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player."

The midfielder must understand. There was no call for an outburst. Kane had only moments earlier made it the Three Lions leading by two in an inconsequential qualifier, there were six minutes left and he, following an inconsistent display, had just been booked for fouling an opponent. This was hardly a questionable change. In fact it would have been foolish for the head coach to not substitute him because there was a chance Bellingham would make himself ineligible of the initial fixture of the tournament by getting a second caution.

Drawing Attention to Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's annoyance upon understanding that he was going to make way for another player. He flung his arms in the air and although he shook Tuchel’s hand after making his way to the touchline there was no doubt that the head coach was not impressed.

This represents the hurdle for Bellingham. He applauded his teammate for providing the assist for the captain to score the team's second, but his other actions was self-defeating. It is not as if complaining was going to reverse the substitution. Tuchel has talked so much about honoring the team structure and the necessity of behaving correctly.

Facing Examination

Bellingham, left out of the previous squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the squad this month. In effect he was being assessed and he hasn't helped his case through his behavior to his substitution as the national team wrapped up a perfect qualifying campaign by overcoming a feisty challenge from Albania.

Tactics and Formation

This implies the jury is out on if the squad perform optimally including Bellingham. The evidence here was inconclusive. There was experimentation from Tuchel early on. He has provided the squad a clear system over the past few matches, employing a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box player, a playmaker and dedicated wide players, but there was a different feel against Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, the midfielder started for the first time for England and the role of John Stones as a makeshift midfielder created a similar look to City's 2023 treble winners.

Mixed Performance

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for Eberechi Eze during the second half but at times seemed trying too hard. Several hurried and errant passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. The team looked disjointed for much of the second half. A scoring chance for the opponents followed Bellingham gave the ball away. His booking came after he lost the ball from Broja and fouled Broja.

Substitutes Decide

Ultimately the bench quality made the difference. Tuchel introduced the Manchester City player, who appeared better suited to the position occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Saka. Later Saka delivered a set-piece for the captain to open the scoring. It highlighted that dead-ball situations are going to be vital next summer.

Connection Remains

Still, though, all talk was about Bellingham. The quality of the winger's delivery for Kane's goal was partly forgotten amid the drama of the player change. After the final whistle, the focus was on him. Tuchel walked up from behind and directed Bellingham in the direction of the travelling England fans. Their relationship is not broken. Tuchel is not willing to give up on the player just yet. But if he is willing to offer him a starring role remains in doubt.